Encompassing spectacular coastal woodlands, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and salt pannes, Rough Meadows supports an astonishing diversity of wildlife. The sanctuary, managed in collaboration with the Essex County Greenbelt, is part of the Great Marsh ecosystem. The area has been designated an Important Bird Area and an Area of Critical Environmental Concern.

At Rough Meadows, you can explore 1.6 miles of well-marked trails through coastal woodlands to several viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the Great Marsh.

You will find granite benches to sit on and have a snack at the end of Professor Chandler’s Long Walk and on the Kestrel Trail. Sawyer’s Island is a 1-mile hike from the parking area, it offers spectacular vistas and a view of an active Osprey nesting platform.

Professor Chandler’s Long Walk
0.65 miles
Leads to the eastern part of the sanctuary where there is a spectacular view of the salt marsh. It is named in honor of Professor Alfred D. Chandler, Jr., whose conservation vision protected most of this land. (Please Note: The salt marsh portion of this trail floods at high tide; plan your visit accordingly.)

Kestrel Trail
0.19 miles
A short trail that passes through a field along the edge of a woodland and offers a view into the salt marsh.

Sassafras Trail
0.22 miles
Part of a loop with Professor Chandler’s Long Walk, this trail passes through a mixed forest where sassafras trees are common.

Hickory Trail
0.18 miles
A loop off Professor Chandler’s Long Walk that meanders through an oak and hickory forest along the edge of the salt marsh.

Appy’s Way
0.22 miles (0.34 miles with extension)
Named in honor of Appy Chandler—who helped make Professor Chandler’s vision a reality—this trail leads to a small hill with a view of the salt marsh, a tidal creek, and salt pannes. Take the extension to the viewpoint for a longer walk.